40 Days of Prayer and Positve Thoughts for the USA

The USA is more than a country, it's PEOPLE, good people. But unfortunately, they are often divided, sometimes hate-filled people, and that's a shame. Disagreeing about things yet being able to discuss it freely is one of the most important things in our country., yet, there are people that can't respect others. Worse, there are people showing disrespect for others by lying and spreading false testimony. 

Most people have a good heart, but some have become jaded. Will you join me in prayer that peace is once again restored, and if you don't pray, how about pausing in a positive thought?

September 28 - November 6, 2012

There are 40 days until the election.  That's one of the significant numbers in the Bible. As you know, it rained for 40 days and nights while Noah was on the ark, the Hebrew people wandered for 40 years, and Jesus spent 40 days being tempted in the desert. It takes 40 weeks from conception to birth - so perhaps in the next 40 days, we can create and give birth to the spirit of unity that makes this country strong, reviving a respect for others and making intelligent choices.

 Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given us this promise: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

So, we pray to you. We turn from evil and look to you, our God.

There are big decisions to be made concerning a president and members of Congress. We need unity, in hope and in practice. Will you commit to pray daily?

Unity

It seems that there are so many things that divide us today.  Disagreements about various issues tend to throw people into heated arguments. Politics turn the stakes up even higher. Where is this coming from? What happened to a sense of respect for others? When did compromise become a bad word? 

There was a time when people could share opinions freely, knowing that even as others might disagree, they could share their reasons. It might even help you see another side and change your mind, a chance you took without fear.  We learn the most in an open forum, where all opinions can be expressed. 

Somehow, this mutual respect for thinking, using reason, and considering all options has been replaced by short slogans and hatred. People share "facts" that are blatantly false and easily exposed, with the intent to inflame, not educate.

It isn’t supposed to be this way. God did not give man intelligence to use it to belittle others or to gain unjust power. He intended us to be one body, one group of believers, united in the love of all mankind.

 

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek,  there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26-28

Love = Unity

And the two will become one flesh; 

so they are no longer two, but one. 

Mark 10:8

Three years ago today, the couple in the picture. Emma Elizabeth Creasy and Rudyard Peralta Bamba were married. His mother lit one candle and I lit another. Then Rudy and Emma took the flames from these candles to light the one, symbolizing the uniting of our two families, and from these two families, their one new one.

It was a day of great joy as the young couple expressed their love to the world. I've heard some of my friends speak of "losing" a son or daughter because they got married. In our case, when Rudy and Emma were joined, we gained a son and his mom, Novie, feels she gained a daughter. Their siblings all welcomed the new member to their group as well.

In the past three years, they've weathered times of trial and stress, had happiness and fun, and strengthened their bond of love. Their union has produced a wonderful son, Noah, a source of joy for many. They'll have more worries, but none they can't deal with together, and hopefully, even more joys. 

So, today, even though they think they are the ones celebrating their anniversary, I am as well. It was 3 years ago that Rudy officially joined our family and we're forever made richer by it. Seeing how happy they are together is a blessing. 

  

Happy Anniversary Emma and Rudy!